It’s Friday the 13th again, and if you’ve been here with me for a minute you already know my thoughts on this “unlucky” day.
I’ve had many experiences of my work as an astrologer being dismissed as “superstition.” Though most people I meet these days are genuinely curious, open-minded, and already in touch with their own connection to the divine, my profession still gets mixed reactions.
Some people think I’m about to reveal their doom, and some respond with “oh, I believe in science” (yes, this one is always from condescending men, and I have a lot fun mirroring that energy back to them).
The one reaction that pulls at my heart strings is this certain kind of grimace—a “been burned before” look. This usually comes from someone who’s had one too many bad readings. And honestly, I get it.
Not all readings are created equal.
There are plenty of unskilled practitioners out there—just as there are unskilled doctors, mechanics, or chefs. The spiritual world is no different.
I’ve had my share of bad readings, too. Readings that felt manipulative, or were full of overly specific predictions that didn’t come true. Readers who gave vague insights that left me more confused than when I arrived, or whose advice was so detached from reality that it completely lost any meaning or usefulness.
But I’ve also had readings that deeply shifted my perspective, helped me face uncomfy truths, and resourced me with inspiration and encouragement to take my next step forward.
So, how do you avoid the bad ones and find the good? Let’s discuss!
Why Bad Readings Happen
Bad readings often come down to one of two things: the skill (or lack thereof) of the reader, and the state of mind we’re in when we seek guidance.
Not all readers have the same approach, experience, or ability to hold space. Some are deeply intuitive but lack technical knowledge, so their read feels non-specific or off base. Others know the techniques inside and out but struggle to connect on a human level or communicate their insights in a way that resonates.
On the flip side, there’s our role as seekers. When we’re desperate for answers, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of getting reading after reading, pulling card after card, hoping for a specific answer that quells our fears.
This is called “fortune-telling addiction,” and it’s a real thing. Almost like a gambling addiction, or obsessively playing the lottery—you keep asking, hoping for a win, but the result leaves you feeling fearful and disempowered.
Ultimately, good readings require a balance: a skilled, grounded practitioner and a seeker who is both open and discerning.
Know Yourself
One of the most important things you can do is check in with yourself before, and after, a reading.
If you’re feeling emotionally fragile, it’s especially important to be intentional about who you’re sharing that tender space with. That’s not to say you can’t get a reading when you’re emotional or struggling. I’ve had some of my most meaningful readings during times when I felt completely lost. But there’s a difference between seeking guidance and rigidly seeking a specific answer.
A random TikTok psychic might be fun for curiosity’s sake, but if you’re in a vulnerable place, you’ll want to make sure you’re in the hands of someone who holds their role as a channel and guide with care and reverence.
The post-reading check in is equally as important.
Have a debrief moment with yourself to clarify what resonated with you, and what didn’t. This is essential for moving forward from the reading feeling centered in yourself, and helps illuminate any action steps you want to take based on the insight you received.
Choose Your Practitioner Wisely
If you’re considering a reading, take the time to find a someone who aligns with you. Recommendations from friends are a great place to start. If you’re exploring on your own, take a sec to read someone’s testimonials and pick up hints from how they describe their offering. Get a feel for their energy and their approach.
Remember your agency in this process. Ask yourself, is this someone whose perspective I actually want to hear?
It’s also helpful to understand what type of reading someone offers. Are they focused on psychic predictions, soul level guidance, or more of a practical life coaching vibe? Different practitioners bring different strengths, so clarity about what you’re looking for can go a long way.
Remember, readers are human.
Their advice and interpretations will inevitably be influenced by their own beliefs, cultural background, and life experiences. That’s not a bad thing—it’s just something to keep in mind. Kind of like choosing a therapist, you get to decide if you want a perspective that aligns with your worldview, or one that offers a different lens.
A Reader’s Perspective
This past weekend, I was doing readings at a holiday market here in NYC. The energy was chaotic and exciting with a huge volume of joyful holiday shoppers coming through the space, and many experiencing an astrology reading for the first time.
In environments like that I’m reminded of how important it is to approach this work with integrity. People are sharing their hopes, fears, and heartfelt questions with me, and I never take that lightly.
I’m not here to hard-sell astrology. Mystical practices aren’t for everyone, and they never have been. But when approached with care, they can open profound portals for self-discovery and growth.
The Takeaway
The best readings aren’t about hypnotizing you with a promise of all the right answers. They’re about holding space for you to explore your own path with curiosity and courage. The right practitioner can help you see yourself more clearly and navigate life’s challenges with a little more grace.
So, if you’re considering a reading, trust your intuition. Find someone who feels like the right fit. Know yourself and what you’re really seeking. And above all, approach the experience with an open heart and a healthy dose of discernment.
You can find all my current offerings (including readings!) here.
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.
xo Eden Sky
I acknowledge that I live and work on the stolen, ancestral lands of the Lenape people. I humbly give respect and reverence to those who have always been here.